Botswana’s journey to become Africa’s digital champion gets major support as the European Union (EU) launched today a new partnership under its Global Gateway strategy, bringing European expertise to boost Botswana’s digital transformation. This collaboration, totalling €4700000 (BWP67.7 million) and additional French contribution of € 150 000 (BWP 231 000), will help transform Botswana into a knowledge-based economy through cutting-edge digital solutions.

At a high-level event in Gaborone, EU Delegation and Botswana Government unveiled plans to:

• Improvedigital skills – Equip youth and women with future-proof tech skills.
• Buildsmartergovernment– Strengthen digital governance using lessons learnt from European best practices.
• Connectcommunities – Ensure remote areas get equal access to e-services.
• Fueltechstart-ups– Support home-grown innovation through mentorship and funding.

The partnership supports Botswana’s SmartBots programme, which is in charge of connecting Batswana, increasing availability of public services and sparked digital innovation nationwide. By combining forces with EU members France, Estonia and Finland as Team Europe, Botswana will gain access to reliable and cutting-edge digital expertise. The partnership will focus on practical solutions, such as e-services, e- learning platforms, and support for women-led tech start-ups. Team Europe will also provide technical expertise through its digital team.

“Botswana has the potential to become a leading centre for digital, innovation, and skills development in SADC and across Africa. This is what we wish to aim for”, EU Ambassador, Petra Pereyra, said.

” We are laying the groundwork for a government that serves with speed, precision, andcompassiontodelivermeaningfulimpacttoandforBatswana,statedHonourable Moeti Mohwasa, Minister for State President.

While Minister of Communications and Innovation, Honourable David Tshere, added, “Our ultimate goal is to delight citizens by delivering services they can trust, driving inclusive economic growth, and creating meaningful social impact through the power of technology.”

The launch event brought together tech leaders, entrepreneurs and community representatives to shape Botswana’s digital roadmap. Successful services that have already transformed how citizens access healthcare, education and government services were highlighted.